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“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.” 1 John 5: 13-17

Assurance of salvation is critical to our understanding of Scripture! John wrote to his flock in order to help them more fully understand this important truth.

We have looked at John’s teaching this year. He now is wrapping up these truths. We have seen what a true believer is to look like and how he/she is to act. If we are truly God’s children two things, belief in Jesus and obedience to His Name (teachings) will be confirmed.

We have a distinction in these verses that should be noted. In v.13 John tells us again: “These things I have written to you who believe in the NAME of the Son of God.” Let’s consider this…satan believes Jesus, Muslims believe Jesus, demons believe Jesus, cults believe Jesus. They are certainly not saved! Even church goers will confess Jesus but what about His Name! the Name of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One (remember the three witnesses, Father, water and blood?) is uniquely specific! Do these people believe that Jesus is the Messiah, Savior and divine? Is Jesus truly God in the flesh to them? He is!

Another challenge is “sin” not leading to death. Our call is to purity. We are to pray for a believer who “sees” another believer sin! What is being addressed here? Prayer! Intercessory prayer is vital to family life! The promise here is that God will hear our prayer on another believers behalf and the result is seeking restoration and health in the family. When the sinning believer confesses, restoration and fellowship with family, Father and Son is restored.

On the other hand continual sin without openness to God is a red flag! Stepping over the line in sinning before God will result in God action. No matter how much prayer goes up for the sinning person, God’s judgment is final. This will lead to the “sin unto death” for the believer. Salvation will take place but beware. John isn’t specific in what the sin is!

John tells us in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is my prayer for each of us who confess the Name of Jesus as Messiah, Savior, Lord and Son of God.

As we embark on a New Year may we each be cleansed and ready to share the Gospel pure and holy to everyone we meet.

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